With a given percentage of Systems Engineering effort, what range can cost be predicted from?

The range of -35% to 300% for predicting costs associated with a given percentage of Systems Engineering effort reflects the significant variability and uncertainty often present in systems engineering projects. This high degree of variability takes into account factors such as project complexity, scope changes, and unforeseen technical challenges.

In systems engineering, the cost of a project can be influenced by many unknowns, leading to both potential overruns (costs that exceed the estimations) and underruns (cost savings compared to estimates). The broad range allows teams to prepare for instances where costs may unexpectedly exceed initial estimates or situations where improved efficiencies could lead to a dramatic reduction in costs.

This range is particularly relevant in dynamic environments where requirements may evolve based on stakeholder feedback or technological advancements, necessitating a flexible cost estimation that can accommodate these changes. It's essential for project managers and systems engineers to account for these possibilities in their planning to ensure they can manage resources effectively and maintain project viability.